Thread: Using a festool plunge saw instead of a table saw?

yup, will definitely check out F&K tomorrow and see how things go, and hopefully i can report back tomorrow.

cheers,
J.

I have the Festool TS55 and a few guide rails. I also have a parallel guide FESTOOL TS55 Parallel side fence (PA-TS 55) or FESTOOL TS75 Parallel stop (PA-TS 75)
It is not easy to rip boards down particuly once they get small. Problems that need to be overcome include holding the timber so it can be cut. As others have said, and it is one that I do often, is put the timber on a sacrafical board, if need be have another piece of timber as a packer and use the guide rails, or using the parallel guide rip the timber down in two stages moving the clamps inbetween. The Festool guides are much better than the guides with other circular saws and easy to set up. It does take some getting use to the plunge action. Having it conected to dust extraction is so . The time saved cleaning is worth the outlay.
Yes it is good to use your mates table saw, but there will be a time it won't be availabe so it is worth having a plan B.

I have a TS75, its awesome, forget the 55, you'll want the extra grunt, the extra depth is also handy.

If you can afford it get a MFT with the CMS extension. I don't have this and boy do I wish I did.....ripping thin bits of timber without it is a TOTAL PITA, possible, but a complete pain

My ideal setup would be a MFT, with the CMS and insert. I'd not get the table saw sliding table thing, I'd buy a small incra jig for it, which I have seen attached to the MFT top, awesome little setup

If you cant afford to have it set up as a table saw i.e. with the CMS then think seriously about it, because ripping timber is a total pain, I know I have said it but I'll say it again, a real PITA, setting up just takes so, so long, but yes its possible, with some practice

Oh and get a 2700 long rail, a 2400 isn't long enough for a 2400 sheet, you want some run off

Actually, in an ideal world I'd have 2 x TS75's, one in the cms and one in a systainer ready for handhold work, but I'm lazy

Originally Posted by pkjames

I have a reasonable area in the shed, the only problem is, there are around 10 steps or so to get to the shed. I wonder if I can transport the 150kg JPS10 into the shed easily.

another alternative is a contractor's style saw, possibly 2/3 the weight of the Jet and readily comes apart into lighter components (stand, top, motor unit, extension wings, fence) making the move into your shed possibly feasible.

Apart from dust control -- fixable by building some ply or MDF covers -- I know of no reason one wouldn't be as accurate or versitile as the "equivalent" table saw

Originally Posted by Elill

I have a TS75, its awesome, forget the 55, you'll want the extra grunt, the extra depth is also handy.

Same here. I wouldnt touch the 55 unless you are into kitchens etc as its main use is sheet goods as its not only smaller but light on for power. The 75 will rip/cross cut anything you can throw at it with amazing accuracy. Fantastic saw.

Originally Posted by pkjames

hi sam, thanks for the eureka link. I wonder if you mean the EZ Ripping jig? (EZ Ripping | Eurekazone). It appears similar to the festool parallel rail.

I do agree that adding another piece of timber to support the rail could be an option, but wonder if there is a better way.

James

James, the ez Ripsizer is a new invention ( patent pending tool) with unlimited length rip capacity and 25" standard width.
The design goal was to make woodworking affordable=safer for all people.
No more long tracks/connectors/multiple tracks/ expensive repeaters/ tablesaws/ accidents???
The very first order from big box stores in US and CA is over 200.000 units.



The parallel guides from festool is similar to the ez-repeaters.
The goal with the ripsizer is not to use long rails.
You can use it for ripping panels and strips.
here is a video...

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIuvK3ZHokI"]‪cutting strips with the ripsizer‬‏ - YouTube[/ame]
Enjoy.
ycf dino
eurekazone

Originally Posted by Sam

Welcome to the forum !

I've been wondering this too, you probably have to pack up the guide rail with another 45 high piece and cut on a sacrificial table top/saw horses.

Slightly OT - On this website Eurekazone | Eurekazone the manufacturer has a 'bridge' that lifts up and down that would rip a 90x45 ok but it appears to be limited to the length between the supports.

Robson Valley, google plunge saw.....it's like a circular hand held saw that runs on a guide rail/track, you may know it as a 'track saw'.

Sam

Sam,
there is no need for longer than 50'' rips or cross cuts.
the ripsizer is very compact and accurate for repeat ripping.
after you done ripping the ez-one powerbench finishes the job.

we offer powerbenches up to 12'-oo" long without any problems ( custom made )
or you can buy components to build your own bench.
What you need id a Bridge and a track.
everything else can be made with wood.
here is the diy powerbench page with more info.
most people build their own benches.
DIY EZ-One | Eurekazone
thanks
ycf dino
eurekazone

James, can I ask what it is you will be making? ie. chairs/tables, cabinets from sheet goods, solid wood furniture.

If you have a more specific idea of what you want to make and let us know, then we can help with your decision.

went to FNK today need another pack of white pad's that we use on rotex to use with soild oil and box sand paper,
all tools 10% off but no tools that were a steal,

so i didnt buy any tools as not in the market for anything

Originally Posted by Lignum

Same here. I wouldnt touch the 55 unless you are into kitchens etc as its main use is sheet goods as its not only smaller but light on for power. The 75 will rip/cross cut anything you can throw at it with amazing accuracy. Fantastic saw.

I can't agree with this statement.
I've used my 55 to break down 50mm thick slabs BUT I did swap the supplied 48 (?) tooth universal blade for a 24 tooth ripping blade
with the standard blade the 55 might be "underpowered" but then most saws are if you use a combo blade for heavy ripping

Originally Posted by ian

I can't agree with this statement.
I've used my 55 to break down 50mm thick slabs BUT I did swap the supplied 48 (?) tooth universal blade for a 24 tooth ripping blade
with the standard blade the 55 might be "underpowered" but then most saws are if you use a combo blade for heavy ripping

Ian have you ever used the 75? If you have you will know what im talkin about, they are chalk and cheese.

Ok, sorry for the delayed update, friday is always busy
Went to vek tools on Friday and got myself a set of gears including:
MFT3, rotex sander, router, 26l vac and a TS55. With other bits and pieces, 5k all up. Shame on me but yeah, I got the 55! Only reason is,
My hand is small, and the 55 is just feels way more comfortable than the 75 in my hand. I figured that maybe I will start with the 55 and if I am happy with the system and really in need, I can always get a 75 later? (don't tell my wife!)

Anyway, I can start rocking now oh well, later, sat fishing comes first!

Enjoy the weekend guys!

...didn't happen cos there aint no pics

nice hall,

i think the 55 is a much lighter saw using the 75 reminds me of using a 91/4 which i hate.

try cutting up a wall with 75.

i own both but only use the 75 a few times a year the 55 gets a used a few times every day, blade choice is important.